The Dyslexia Quest Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Dyslexic Before It Was Cool! with Dean Bragonier Jun 17, 2017

Show notes

What if you were in a classroom where you were understood? What if the learning focused on the skills that came easy to you? How would that have changed the way you thought about school? How would that setting have shaped you? What could have been possible?

At some point we have all wondered …. What if…

This episode features someone who has actually thought of a SOLUTION to this dilemma, faced by many students, like us. We know that dyslexia has many advantages that sometimes go untapped...and are THE DESIRED SKILLS by employers! What would happen if these strengths were highlighted in classrooms instead of ignored?!

Our guest, Dean Bragonier, is the Founder and Executive Dyslexic of NoticeAbility. NoticeAbility is cutting-edge as it "unlocks the dyslexic potential" with "experiential, project-based courses grounded in social-emotional methodology and executive function research." This unique curriculum enables learning for middle and high school aged learners through multiple modalities. You do not want to miss this AMAZING conversation! You will feel so understood and encouraged by this message so be sure to listen to the end! ENJOY!

Liked it? Loved it? Leave a review and comment! We love hearing more from you!

The Misunderstood Reality of Creative Learners with Kathryn Haydon Jun 10, 2017

Show notes

So many influential thinkers of our time had one thing in common- CREATIVITY! Yet they seemed to have struggled in school... Creativity is a key strength that can go underappreciated in some schools. But through creativity, so many other strengths can develop! This episode is an enlightening talk about how we can enable our students to flourish by encouraging them to use their creative strengths. Kathryn Haydon, founder of Sparkitivity, quests with me as we reveal why recognizing creativity is essential and what that means for students who have a hard time in school. You won't want to miss her insight and advice so be sure to listen to the end!

One Man's Quest with Dyslexia as a Lifelong Companion with Taylor Beattie Jun 05, 2017

Show notes

Do you remember when you first knew you were dyslexic? Do you recall that feeling in class or maybe even at home when you let down a parent or teacher? What about that feeling you had once you realized that you are actually really good at something? or SEVERAL things? Dyslexia is always with us and takes us on incredible rides.

In this episode we look at one man's interesting journey with "dyslexia as a lifelong companion". Taylor Beattie, US Army Special Forces Officer (retired Lieutenant Colonel), and I had a fascinating talk about his navigating through the military and getting his masters ... all the while understanding his dyslexia. We look into dyslexic strengths and weaknesses and how they play a vital role in understanding the dyslexic journey. We also dive into parenting and dyslexia as Taylor has a dyslexic daughter himself. You won't want to miss the advice he gives so be sure to listen to this Dyslexia Quest until the end!

The Medicalization of Learning Differences as a Form of Structural Violence with Chad Baber May 26, 2017

Show notes

The work of Chad Baber is all about his own quest unraveling his experiences with dyslexia. Like so many of us questers, Chad went through testing, therapy and many programs geared to 'fix' him. He talks about how he found validation through his experiences and internalization of the reasons for his struggles. Rather than focusing on the labels and medicalization of dyslexia, Chad aims to focus on providing a unique picture on the experience of dyslexia. His work aims to help others understand that dyslexia is not a 'problem to be fixed' but rather a journey. Come along with us and listen to this Dyslexia Quest together!

Is Your Child a Square Being Pushed Into a Round Hole? With Jade Ann Rivera May 20, 2017

Show notes

Jade Rivera's work will completely resonate with so many of us Questers. With her unique experience working with neurodivergent children, we unpack what it means to be an alternative learner. We uncover what it means to have these needs that conventional education is not addressing.

This episode explores:

Microschools and Jade's work developing these institutions with others,

Neurodivergent learners and how they can be supported,

Labels and the meaning or lack of meaning they offer,

Achievement and what that looks like for different learners,

Homework and testing- to do or not to do!,

Connecting with your child and the choices you can make to truly support them,

AND SO MUCH MORE!

According to Jade, "if you've landed on my website, you've probably had some experience with neurodivergent children. Quirky children with brains that seem to work differently from the norm. Children who need an unusual amount of scaffolding to accomplish simple looking tasks yet inspire us with boundary pushing insights and creations. At best, you may have heard them described as gifted or as twice-exceptional. At worst, as weird or as trouble makers."

At the end of this episode, Jade gives solid advice for parents on how to best support their children… be sure to listen till the end!

The Secret Weapon to UNLEASHING Your Learning Potential with Dr. Erica Warren May 11, 2017

Show notes

Do you ever wonder how can we improve our learning?

What if there was a secret weapon to education?

GOOD NEWS! There is a secret weapon that will UNLEASH this potential and change the way you learn! In this episode we dig deep into the concept of VISUALIZATION and *WHY* this skill is so important for understanding what we read. Dr. Erica Warren discusses the ins-and-outs of empowering your learning with this tool. She shares her strategies for helping you or your child visualize. Listen until the end for a list of 10 specific components. Like playing a movie in your head, the more details the better!

Dr. Warren is a Learning Specialist, Educational Therapist and ADHD/Executive Functioning Coach. Her doctorate from the University of Georgia focused on life-long issues in learning, the impact of learning difficulties across the lifespan, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. She earned a Masters degree in Educational Psychology, which covered life-span development, learning, and cognition. Dr. Warren often describes her bachelor's degree in fine arts as her secret weapon.

Dr. Warren's diverse education has created a well-rounded expertise in the areas of mindful and multisensory learning, cognition and remediation. Much of her time remains devoted to working with students on an individualized basis where her unique, multisensory approach focuses on compensatory learning strategies, cognitive remediation, study strategies and remedial reading, writing and math methods. She founded Learning to Learn in 1999. She creates educational resources and materials sites: Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials. She also offers courses for learning specialists and educational therapists.

Unlocking Intrinsic Motivation: The Fuel For Learning with Dr. Gina Riley May 06, 2017

Show notes

Today's quest goes deep into the heart of motivation. We uncover what enables someone to be *really* motivated. We wonder what fuels that drive which allows someone to do something against all the impossible odds. THAT kind of motivation that turns barriers into frontiers. Parents and teachers often wonder how we can inspire unmotivated students to unlock within them this intrinsic motivation which is often so powerful.

Looking for this answer too? Our quest with Dr. Gina Riley is all about this intriguing topic so be sure to listen until the end as we talk about:

Learning environments that enable intrinsic motivation,
Giving your child time, space and love to develop their interests and a true love for learning,
The key ingredients needed to unlock intrinsic motivation,
Why we should be celebrating the competence and strengths every child has,
And the role that *learning how to learn* plays in their future.

Dr. Gina Riley is an educational psychologist and Clinical Professor of Adolescent Special Education at Hunter College. Dr. Riley has over fifteen years experience working with teens with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders. She is also a seasoned academic, with years of teaching, research, and supervisory experience within the fields of special education, psychology, school psychology, and mental health counseling. Her master's thesis focused on intrinsic motivation within home education environments, and her doctoral dissertation compared levels of competence, autonomy, and relatedness in home educated and traditionally educated young adults. Dr. Riley also has extensive experience in online education and distance learning at the college/university level. She is a mom herself and home-schooled her son from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Did you resonate with this message? Are you a teacher or parent that feels inspired by this talk? Help spread the word! Share and review!

Gifted AND Struggling in School?! with Dr. Melanie Hayes Apr 27, 2017

Show notes

Dr. Melanie Hayes, the founder and director of the Big Minds Unschool, shares her unique level of expertise in 2e. What is 2e? We dive right into this fascinating topic with an inspiring talk including how Melanie started her journey and what environment best suits the learning styles of 2e children. She also discusses why students should have the time and support to grow cognitively and creatively as they follow their interests. The passionate energy and attention she has brought to this alternative view of education is so inspiring! Melanie shares many bits of wisdom that you can bring into your own home to fortify your child's resilience. If you would love to know more about how to channel this type of energy into your parenting style be sure to listen until the end!

Dr. Melanie Hayes is the founder and director of the Big Minds Unschool. Melanie is a 2e expert. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, an MA in gifted education, a credential in elementary multiple subjects, and has 10 years experience teaching, mentoring, coaching, and advocating for 2e children. She also has a 2e son and daughter, so she experiences life with 2e children on an intensely personal level. She is intimately familiar with the joys and hardships of raising and educating exceptional children. You can read more about her work and family in her blog, "Life Among the Gifted."

Did you enjoy this podcast? Tell us what you took away from the show and leave a review here!

How Both Pain and Compassion Fuel High Performance With Emilia Lahti Apr 07, 2017

Show notes

Emilia has a master's degree in social psychology, and a master of applied positive psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a former student of Dr. Martin Seligman and pioneered the research on the Finnish construct of sisu (extraordinary determination in the face of adversity) under the mentorship Dr. Angela Duckworth.

She is a speaker and lecturer in both Finland and the United States and has given presentations at TEDx, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UPenn, the international world congress on positive psychology, as well as Accenture and Singularity University, among others. Her work has also been featured in Business Insider, Scientific American, Forbes and The New Yorker. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD at the Aalto University School of Science and Technology in Helsinki. In 2015 Emilia was selected for the Singularity University Graduate Studies Program at NASA AMES Research Center in Silicon Valley with full scholarship from Google.

Her life mission involves being a catalyst for human connection and compassion.

How To Let Go Of Limiting Beliefs: A Story of Transformation With Dyslexic Stuttering Stand-Up Comic Dr. Nina G Mar 30, 2017

Show notes

Nina G is America's favorite female stuttering stand up comedian (granted she is the only one). She is also a disability activist, storyteller, children's book author and educator. She brings her humor to help people confront and understand social justice issues such as disability, diversity, and equity. When she isn't performing at comedy clubs like the San Francisco Punchline or the Laugh Factory, she is playing colleges and presenting as a keynote speaker to children with disabilities and training professionals! Nina is part of the comedy troupe The Comedians with Disabilities Act, which brings laughter and awareness to audiences across the country. She is the author of a children's book titled, Once Upon An Accommodation: A Book About Learning Disabilities, that helps children and adults advocate for their rights as a person with a Disability. Nina's one person show, Going Beyond Inspirational, which is a comical exploration about growing up with Learning and Speech Disabilities debuted in 2015 and was featured CBS San Francisco Local.

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